Energy & water
‘Use less, Waste less’
Living a more sustainable life requires us to live by the motto ‘use less and waste less’; this can be applied to power, electricity and water, there are many ways we can embed this motto into our everyday lives and in many cases it allows us to save money, and reduce our carbon footprint.
To help to embed this motto into our everyday lives, it helps to follow our ‘energy and water’ hierarchy. Loosely explained, it is the list of ways in which we can use energy and water. The methods are ranked in order of priority according to most environmentally friendly to least.
The following is a list of projects, businesses and tools available locally that will help you to use less energy and water.
Low energy homes
Colchester Borough Council are CURRENTLY offering the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme – The Council has funding available for residents to receive energy efficiency upgrades to their homes.
Colchester Borough Council advice on energy saving at home, home energy improvement schemes and assistance and affordable warmth.
Contact the Warm Homes Project team at Colchester Borough Council who can advise you on ways to insulate your home effectively so you can save money and stay warm.
Centre for Alternative Technology offer a wide range of services including advice on renewables in your home, short courses and Masters degree in renewable energy, green building, sustainable growing and more.
Green Energy Home Grant is offered by the Energy Saving Trust, homeowners and landlords in England are able to apply for vouchers worth up to two thirds of the cost of upgrading the energy efficiency of their home. For most people, the maximum contribution will be £5,000. Households on low incomes will be eligible for up to 100% funding, up to a maximum of £10,000.
Check if your energy provider is environmentally friendly and find greener alternatives using the Switchlt website.
Property Guardians Helps to bring empty properties back into use.
The SuperHomes Network harnesses the enthusiasm of energy saving pioneers to bring you examples of successful sustainable refurbishment. To qualify as a SuperHome, a 60% reduction in carbon emissions must be achieved. Consider registering as a SuperHome or discover homes locally to Colchester.
Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) is a network of individuals and companies with a common aim of promoting sustainable building. They bring together contractors, trades people, self-builders, architects, designers, engineers, manufacturers, housing associations, local authorities and academics to help develop, share, train and promote sustainable building best practice.
Take inspiration or purchase a green roof system from the highly regarded Grass Roof Company located in Basildon.
Solar and Heat
In terms of independent energy consultants use DESIGNER | CONSULTANT (passivehouse.com) and or members of the AECB, Association of Environmentally Conscious Builders.
We recommend ensuring trades services, e.g. solar, heat pump installers are registered to Trustmark, this is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme covering work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home.
Are you a local solar supplier or installer of solar? If you are, please register with Solar Together. Solar Together operate a bulk solar buying scheme to the public through local councils. Essex County Council is one of the Councils offering this service. Feedback suggests the installations are high quality and cheap due to the economies of scale. Schemes are currently suspended due to Coronavirus but you can still register as a buyer or an installer now. We recommend anyone thinking of installing solar panels to register now.
Water
Anglian Water offer FREE water saving home visit. Want to save money and water? Book a home visit and save up to £40 a year on your water bill.
Anglian Water offer information on how to save water in the garden. FREE water saving garden kit to help you become water efficient.
You can save water and money by checking if you have a leaky loo. Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) have put together some very useful videos on how to maintain dual flush toilets, how to spot a leak and how to fix one. It could be either your Inlet Valve or your Outlet Valve.
The quickest, simplest way for you to view your bills and manage your account if you’re an Anglian Water customer is to register for MyAccount.
En-form offer water and money saving tips, plus workshops and free water saving items